Mangaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday said that the government would deal with acts of extremism and communalism with an iron fist irrespective of political pressures and monetary influence. He said that those indulging in such acts should remember that they are harming their own brethren.

He was speaking after inaugurating the valedictory of Karnataka Yatre with the theme ‘Respect for mankind’ organized by the Karnataka Sunni Student’s Federation on the occasion of its silver jubilee.

As part of the jubilee, Sulthanul Ulama A.P Abubakar Musliyar Kanthapuram, the general secretary of All India Muslim Scholars’ Association led the Yatre for about 2,700 kms from Kalaburgi to Mangaluru in nine days spreading the message of harmony.

Raising concern over the increase in the number of terrorism cases, CM said it is tragic that more and more educated youth are deviating from the mainstream and resorting to extremism and communalism. Hence, moral values must be inculcated among youth, he said. He urged the massive gathering of youth to vow that they would not indulge in extremist activities.

In his introductory speech, Musliyar asked the Chief Minister to improve the infrastructure in minority run educational institutions, establishing a university in Tippu Sultan’s name, enforcing complete prohibition on alcohol and permanent solution to the Bababudangiri Datta Peetha row.

He said the purpose of organizing such a huge convention in Mangaluru was to showcase to the Chief Minister that strength of the community and demand its rightful share, he said.

Ministers and legislators from the district, Sri Vishwesha Tirtha Swamiji of Pejawawr Math, Fr. Valerian D’Souza, Parish Priest of Milagres Church and other religious leaders were present.

The convention was witnessed by nearly a lakh of people – mostly men – clad in white. There was a mad rush at every entrance, and some people watched the event sitting on the branches of trees, next to the stadium.